The Jerusalem Post reports: Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday officially rejected a French initiative aimed at relaunching peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, saying the plan undermines the process by “distancing” the prospect of direct talks between the two sides.

However, the premier pledged that Israel is prepared to begin direct bilateral talks with the Palestinians “immediately, without preconditions.”

“Israel adheres to the position that the best way to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is direct, bilateral negotiations,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

“All other political initiatives distance the Palestinians from the negotiating table,” he added.